Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BCOMM

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

Knowledge of mathematics is a good background for commerce courses.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission:

Recent secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification at an Australian higher education institution.

Overseas qualifications considered by Adelaide University as equivalent to the above Australian qualifications may be accepted.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
Achieved a pass result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Passed an Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test AND have relevant work experience; OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Commerce?

Each day, our digital environment unlocks new and exciting roles in accounting. All organisations – from the smallest business to the largest multinational corporation – need accountants to manage their finances. If you enjoy working with numbers, love a challenge, and want a rewarding career with great versatility and job security, accounting may be for you.

With investments in cryptocurrency climbing, online scams on the rise, and businesses becoming more socially conscious – accounting is no longer just about the numbers. Who knows, your work may even help save the nation from an impending financial catastrophe.

Overview

Harness the power of numbers, interpret trends and gain a solid understanding of business and financial management. The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting gives you a solid foundation in financial principles along with the technical knowledge and cultural intelligence needed to succeed across a range of diverse and fulfilling industries.

Learn about the ethical, social and environmental issues associated with accounting. Discover how to facilitate key management decisions – applying fundamental concepts of taxation law such as income tax and capital gains tax to achieve your client’s desired outcomes.

With your superb attention to detail and accounting expertise, you might investigate fraud and prepare financial reports for the government. Or you may work with an event planner to launch the next big festival, ensuring their financial objectives and expenditures are in line. Whatever you do, you can count on a career with great impact and opportunities for growth.

Key features

Develop technical accounting skills required for preparing financial reports.
Learn about the ethical, social and ecological issues involved in accounting.
Understand the environment, theory and methodology of auditing.
Build technical and problem-solving skills required for financial statement analysis.
Study in state-of-the-art facilities and access data analytical tools used in professional practice.

What you'll learn

The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting will help you build the fundamental accounting skills needed for preparing and using financial reports. Gain an understanding of accounting information systems, their role in organisations and how they support a company’s strategic and operational decision-making and problem-solving.

Along with foundational courses that develop your understanding of business structures, you’ll learn about the theoretical underpinnings of accounting. You’ll explore the professional judgement required; as well as the social, ethical and environmental issues associated with accounting.

Through this degree, you’ll study Core Courses that are common to all commerce degrees to give you a broad understanding of accounting principles.

Electives from a range of complementary areas including business, management and language will further enrich your knowledge.

You’ll also study courses tailored to your major, including:

Financial accounting
Management accounting
Corporate accounting
Contemporary issues in accounting
Auditing
Taxation.

Engage with other skillsets integral to the business sector and appreciate the intersection of accounting in a variety of corporate, social and community bodies.

Over your second and third year, you’ll develop core professional skills by completing more than 300 hours of Work Integrated Learning, where you’ll undertake placements alongside accounting professionals in your desired industry.

This degree will also expand your employability outcomes by developing your skills in strategic thinking, communication and cultural competence in a global environment.

Majors

There are also other Bachelor of Commerce majors to choose from, including:

Banking and Finance
Business Analytics
Financial Planning
Property.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

66 units from Core courses, and
12 units from Work integrated learning, and
18 units from Electives, and
48 units for one Major from Major

Complete exactly 66 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Accounting for Decision Makers	Course code ACCT1000	Units 6
Course name Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence	Course code ARTI3000	Units 6
Course name Business Finance	Course code BAFI1001	Units 6
Course name Business Law	Course code BUSI1001	Units 6
Course name Management, Organisations and Leadership	Course code BUSI1002	Units 6
Course name Data Analytics	Course code BUSI1008	Units 6
Course name Predictive and Visual Analytics for Managers and Consultants	Course code BUSI1009	Units 6
Course name Economics	Course code ECON1001	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Financial Accounting 1	Course code ACCT1001	Units 6
Course name Accounting Systems and Processes	Course code ACCT2000	Units 6
Course name Financial Accounting 2	Course code ACCT2001	Units 6
Course name Management Accounting	Course code ACCT2002	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Issues in Accounting	Course code ACCT3000	Units 6
Course name Corporate Accounting and Analysis	Course code ACCT3001	Units 6
Course name Auditing Theory and Practice	Course code ACCT3002	Units 6
Course name Taxation Law	Course code LAWS3003	Units 6

Complete exactly 12 units from the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name WIL/ Profession	Course code BUSI2900	Units 6
	Course name WIL / Profession	Course code BUSI2901	Units 6

Complete exactly 18 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6
Course name Elective 2	Course code AUXX1012	Units 6
Course name Elective 3	Course code AUXX1013	Units 6
Course name Elective 4	Course code AUXX1014	Units 6

Career outcomes

Embark on a rewarding journey in the world of accounting, where every number counts.

You might blend your passion for fashion with accounting, purchasing trending clothing and reselling them back to major retailers, meticulously monitoring costs and contractual agreements. You could assist a new start up business launch their latest product, tracking their expenditure and ensuring their financial goals are met. Perhaps you’ll uncover financial irregularities as a vigilant investigator, identifying and thwarting money laundering schemes.

With your essential accounting skills and the ability to make strategic decisions at a professional level, you may find work as a:

Risk consultant
Forensic accountant
Management accountant
Practising accountant
Tax accountant
Business adviser.

In accounting, you’ll have the chance to make a tangible impact that shapes the success and integrity of the organisations you work for.

Industry trends

The accounting profession is facing skyrocketing demand, with Australia’s annual employment growth for accountants rising by 300% in the last year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).

Thanks to automation and the rise of artificial intelligence, the accounting sector is also undergoing a seismic shift. As these innovations become more readily available, the need for accountants who are agile problem solvers and who can employ critical thinking to forge genuine connections with their clients is paramount. Accounting processes such as data entry and bookkeeping will no longer be a distinguishing factor for employers looking to choose between candidates. Rather, they will be looking for graduates who can maximise their time and make efficient and sensible decisions. Your Adelaide University accounting degree will give you the latest knowledge and sought-after soft skills to stand out.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution in 2026.

How to apply

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: